Gone county.

On Sunday, we paid our annual visit to the Westmoreland County Fair. This year was extra special because our friends, who also have a four-year old daughter named Lauren, joined us for the fun. Until we can come up with a more clever way to differentiate the two, we refer to her as "The Other Lauren."



The animals on exhibition, of course, are the main event of the fair.



Does it get any sweeter than this?



This llama was on high alert. I was thankful that he didn't spit on me for taking his photo. Or, wait, maybe that's the Amish who do that? Well, at least that's what my grandma used to say. Moving along...



Ever wonder what happens to all the manure produced by the animals at the county fair? Now you know.



The balloon guy was a big hit among the small set, but not so much the adult set. While he was a bit too eager to discuss his pro-wrestling connections with us, he wouldn't actually name any names. What's the point of mentioning that you know famous people if you're not going to name drop? Oh and then there's the fact that many tears were shed when his oh-so-cute balloon ponies popped an hour later.



Every county fair has a freak show...



...but this one had "The World's One and Only Touring Live Giant Bat Show." Check out the girl in the cut-offs holding a giant bat! Every man dreams of finding a woman who can cook and handle a giant bat. Maybe even simultaneously! Unfortunately for Mark, he was unable to confirm that that the lovely lady to the right was present at the show.



And then there's the gambling, I mean games.



Yes, that wholesome tradition where for $2 your child can look at a duck's behind and win a gold plastic necklace with matching ring AND a snack sized(?!) Fun Dip all of which has a total net worth of approximately $.07. The duck pond must not be regulated by the state gambling commission because when the guy who ran the booth checked Lauren's ducks he stammered, "Oh yeah, okay, you won a NECKLACE! And....uh...RING. Oh...and SOME FUN DIP!" I just know that she actually won a new Cadillac or something.



But most of all, I think the girls liked the rides the best.



I think Mark did too. Maybe second after the giant bat exhibition.